Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 39

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 946

USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present > Part 39

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The Stroud family came originally from Eng- land and settled in Pennsylvania, where they intermarried with the best German blood of that section. Daniel Stroud became the proprietor of Stroudsburg, Pa., and was a patriot who fought in the war of 1812. His son, Charles. the father of our Mr. Stroud, became a tanner by trade, but in later life devoted all his energies to the culti- vation of a large farm located about thirty miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio, whither he had re- moved in 1837. At an advanced age he located in Waynesville in retirement, and so remained until his death. He reared a large family, consisting of two sons and six daughters, all inheriting to a greater or less degree the strong constitution which numbered this family among the long- lived people of that section.

George M. Stroud was born in Stroudsburg. Pa., four miles from the Delaware water gap. March 10, 1827, and when ten years of age re- moved with his parents to Ohio, where he was educated in a boarding-school of Jefferson coun- ty, the wealth which the father had accumulated being used freely for the comfort and profit of the family. He remained at home until he was twenty-three years old, when he went to Belle- fontaine, Ohio, and engaged in a general mer-

chandise business with the proceeds of the sale of seventeen hundred acres which had become his through the gift of Judge George M. Stroud, of Philadelphia, an uncle for whom he was named, and who for thirty years was judge in the United States District Court. He was not lacking in business capacity and by his energy and applica- tion he met with success in the venture and con- tinued there for a period of eight years, and was induced then to part with his interests there and seek a home and an opportunity in the far north- west. through the glowing descriptions which reached him through two friends, the Rev. Mr. Lewis, of Salem, and J. S. Smith. After dis- posing of his business he went to New York City in company with his family and there embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the Isthmus of Pa- nama, after crossing which they came by steamer to San Francisco, and thence to Portland by a steamer, arriving April 17, 1858. Their inten- tion had been to locate in Salem and their house- hold goods had been shipped there. but meeting the Rev. Mr. Lewis, he persuaded Mr. Stroud to buy up a herd of cattle and take them to Brit- ish Columbia. Afterward he located in Salem and made that the home of the family for a num- ber of years, engaging for a time as a butcher on a farm upon the present site of the state fair grounds. Later he again took cattle to British Columbia and was so occupied for eight months, and upon his return went into the store of J. H. & 1. R. Moore as head clerk, a position which he maintained for a number of years, when he went to Linn county and located a mercantile estab- lishment for himself at Scio, where he and his family made their home for the ensuing five years.

It was just about this time that the first rail- road was put through the country through the enterprise of Benjamin Holliday, and from the suggestion of Col. I. R. Moore, a stanch friend of our subject, Mr. Stroud was selected as the man most competent to conduct this new line of busi- ness. He was singularly successful, no doubt. through the display of those qualities which have always distinguished those best fitted to inspire trust and confidence. He continued in this work for a period of thirteen years, in the meantime locating first in Salem, later in Albany, and finally removing to East Portland. His first home here was a little cottage on Pine street. and after residing in West Portland for a time he returned to the first location and erected the home which is now occupied by his widow. On withdrawing from his work on the railways Mr. Stroud received from Governor Whittaker the appointment as deputy United States collector of customs, which he maintained efficiently through- out the gubernatorial term. He was then ap- pointed street superintendent, which office he

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filled until he took up the duties of grand chap- lain of the Masonic order and traveled through- out the entire state in the instruction of Masons. Withdrawing from all active work on account of failing health Mr. Stroud lived retired until his (leath.

The marriage of Mr. Stroud occurred in Pitts- burg, Pa .. June 26, 1850, when he was united to D. Annie Jordan, who was born in Southamp- ton county. Va., August 16, 1830. In fraternal orders Mr. Stroud was prominent in the Masonic order and in the line of his business belonged to Mt. Hood Division No. 91. O. R. C. In politics Mr. Stroud was a Republican in the early years of his life, but became identified later with the Democratic party. as that which more nearly voiced his principles, and through this latter in- fluence served as street commissioner of East Portland for some time. Religiously he was born and reared a Quaker. He was public-spir- ited and earnest for the welfare of the people, both spiritual and temporal, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand in all worthy and enter- prising movements.

JOSEPH EUGENE HEDGES. A. B. Among the younger members of the Oregon bar, who are meeting with success is Joseph Eugene Hedges, of Oregon City. A native of Canemah, Clackamas county, Mr. Hedges was born June 2, 1864, a son of Joseph and Ellen Judith ( Allen ) Hedges. The family is of English descent, the emigrant member settling in Virginia, where Isaac, the paternal grandfather of Joseph E., was born. Froni Virginia he migrated to Ohio, where his death occurred at the age of ninety- four years. While his father was a resident of the latter state, Joseph, the father of the personal subject of this review, was born. When a young man he served an apprenticeship at the carpen- ter's trade, becoming a very fine workman.

Hearing much of the wonderful advantages of the far west Joseph Hedges determined to seek a home in far-away Oregon, and in 1852 the long journey across the plains was accomplished. Ox- teams furnished the motive power for the trip. and while the journey was at all times considered dangerous, nothing of special note happened to the train of which he was a member. For many years after his arrival in Oregon Mr. Hedges did carpenter work, and was also quite extensively engaged in contracting and building. Soon after reaching Oregon he took up his residence in Canemalı, although most of his time was spent in Oregon City. His death occurred in 1895, at his home in Canemah, at the age of sixty-seven years. During the construction of the locks in the Willamette river at Oregon City Mr. Hedges acted as superintendent of construction.

Mrs. Hedges was born in Palmyra county, Mo .. the daughter of Dr. William Allen, who came to Oregon in 1852, settling in Linn City, where he gained a reputation as a physician. As a result of the union of Joseph Hedges and Ellen Judith Allen nine children were born, eight at- taining maturity and six of whom are living. namely : Mary J., wife of James A. Jacobs, of St. John. Wash .; Elizabeth, now Mrs. T. M. Long, of Canemah, Ore .; William A., of Cane- mah : Joseph E., our subject ; and Gilbert L., who was born in Canemah, Ore., and is now one of the rising young attorneys of Oregon City. In 1898 he was graduated from Yale University with the degree of LL. B. The same year of his graduation he was admitted to practice before the Oregon bar. Mr. Hedges has taken quite a prominent part in the politics of his country, and in 1900 was elected to the legislature from Clack- amas county. While serving in this capacity he was active in the promotion of all measures cal- culated to be of benefit to his native state. Fred- erick. the youngest son, completes the family.

As a boy Joseph Eugene Hedges evinced stu- dious tendencies, and early in life determined to follow the law as a means of livelihood. Froni the public schools he entered Bishop Scott Gram- inar School, of Portland, and having prepared for Yale, enrolled as a student in that institution in 1887, and in 1891 he received his degree of A. B. Prior to entering Yale, Mr. Hedges had devoted some time to the study of law, and soon after his graduation he entered the office of John- son & Idleman, attorneys-at-law. of Portland, and in 1892 he was admitted to practice before the bar of Oregon. Two years were spent in Portland, during which time he was associated with Johnson & Idleman. At the end of this time he established an office in Oregon City, where later a partnership with Franklin T. Griffith was formed. Mr. Hedges has been successful and has built up a large and appreciative clientage.

In Seattle. Wash., Mr. Hedges was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Bray, who was born in East Portland, Ore., a daughter of Charles E. Bray, a prominent musician of Seattle, Wash .. and representative of a fine old Virginia family. Rebecca T. ( White) Bray, the mother of Mrs. Hedges. is a daughter of Judge W. L. White, under whose administration as county judge the present court house of Clackamas county was erected. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hedges, of whom Joseph Charles is seven years old : and Dorothea Allen is five years of age. Mr. Hedges is a Democrat in national politics, and fraternally is associated with and is past master of Multnomah Lodge No. 1. 1. F. & A. M. : Clackamas Chapter No. 2, R. A. M. : and the Mcloughlin Cabin Native Sons of Oregon

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City. He is associated with the University Club of Portland ; the Vale Alumni Association ; and the Yale Chapter Phi Gamma Delta.

CARL VON WINTZINGERODE. Ere the building of the railroads which connect the great northwest with the okler portions of the country, ere the institution of movements and measures which have brought about the present condition of the state and promoted its material develop- ment Carl von Wintzingerode established his home in Oregon. He has been a resident here since 1858 and has therefore witnessed much of the progress and improvement of the northwest. He was born at Kirchohmfeld, in the province of Saxony, Prussia, on the 16th of February, 1827. His father, Frederick von Wintzingerode, was an officer in the Prussian army and resigned his po- sition in order to accept the office of treasurer of a district court. He continuously acted in that capacity until he resigned on account of old age and was pensioned for long and faithful service during the remainder of his life. He is a mem- ber of an old and distinguished family of the fatherland whose representatives have won many decorations and have been prominent in military affairs. The family name has been enrolled on the records of the military defenders of the coun- try in the wars of 1866 and of 1870-71. Carl von Wintzingerode was one of a family of five sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and a daughter are yet living. He was the eldest son, the others being Robert. who was a major in the Prussian army, serving in the wars of 1866 and 1870-71 : Frederick, now deceased; Adolph, who is a professor of languages in a government high school in Russia ; and Lewin, who was a German officer and was killed in the war of 1866 in the battle of Sadowa.

Carl von Wintzingerode was educated in the common school and under private instruction, after which he entered the gymnasium, in which he continued his studies until he reached his eighteenth year. He then took up the study of agriculture on a large domain in Prussia, but in 1847 he put aside personal considerations in order to aid in the military service of his country, en- listing in the army. He served in the revolution of 1848 and after the close, in 1849, he again re- sumed the study of agriculture. He became in- spector of a Bismarck estate and occupied similar positions on other estates, continuing his resi- dence in the fatherland until 1853, when he sev- ered the connections that bound him to Germany, having decided to try his fortune in the new world. He had friends in California and from them he received favorable reports concerning this part of the United States, and its opportuni- ties. Taking passage in Hamburg on a sailing

vessel carrying passengers and also freight for San Francisco, Cal., lie was upon the water for fully six months and seasick from the start for more than six weeks. Before reaching Cape Horn the ship encountered most severe storms, which kept the passengers in their quarters ; how- ever, the much-dreaded Cape was reached in safety and rounded under full sails. Off the coast of Chile the wind again became furious, the ship making only little headway. The captain, fearing he might run short of fresh water made land with his ship at the Falkland Islands and again at Val- paraiso, reaching the harbor of San Francisco in November, 1853. in safety, and without any further delay. Mr. Wintzingerode had intended to go to the mines, but conditions being unfavor- able he accepted the offer of his friend to culti- vate his land he had pre-empted across the bay from San Francisco. On account of the very low prices of all the products harvested from about one hundred and forty acres of first-class land, he quit farming and located in San Fran- cisco, where he engaged in different well-paying enterprises. In 1861, however, he determined to obtain land in Oregon, and was advised by friends in San Francisco to go to Eugene City. This advice he followed and in that locality lie rented land and followed farming for a short time. In 1861 he came to Portland, where he held positions in well-known wholesale business firms, in one for eleven years. In 1874 he opened a store of his own, carrying a line of German books, sta- tionery, notions, periodicals and newspapers. He was first located on Stark street for a time, and afterward removed to First street, remaining in business until 1891, when he sold out. Through- out his business career he carefully conducted his interests, making the most of his opportunities and gaining for himself an enviable reputation as an honorable man whose loyalty to the ethics of commercial life was above question.

Mr. Wintzingerode also became prominent in public affairs. He has always been a stanch Re- publican, and was a strong Union man at the time of the Civil war, working for the cause at Eugene City and also at Portland. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. In 1878 he was nominated and elected to repre- sent Multnomah county in the state legislature. He has never been an aspirant for official honors, vet has been an earnest party worker. He has always lahored for the abolishment of misrule in municipal affairs, and for honesty in political work. Appointed notary public, he served in that capacity for a number of years, and in 1894 was appointed by the Emperor of Germany as German consul for Oregon and Idaho, filling that position for eight years, when, on account of advanced age and ill health, he resigned. Mr. Wintzingerode did much to advance the interests

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of his fellow countrymen in America and to se- cure for Oregon a large contingent of German- American citizens. While he was in office in 1900 he was instrumental in having twenty-six Ger- man ships enter the Portland harbor, and in 1901 there were thirty-six German vessels, thus the German shipping was greatly increased. Being in a position to assist the German citizen he has done much helpful work in this direction, and when he resigned his office he received special and honorable mention for the ability with which he had conducted its affairs. He has since en- joyed a well-earned rest.

Carl von Wintzingerode was married in Port- land in 1871, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Haak, a representative of a respected German family. They had one daughter, who reached years of maturity, Amanda, now the wife of Henry Mett, connected with a large German firm in Vladivostok, as purchasing agent. They have two children, Carl and Margaretha. In 1885 Mrs. Wintzingerode died, and in 1888 he was again married, his second union being with Emma Nickel, who was born in Marienburg. West Prus- sia. Germany. In 1887 she came to America to visit her sister and here met and married Mr. Wintzingerode. There is one daughter by this union, Elsa, who was born in 1891 and is now a bright and diligent student in the public schools. In 1878 our subject purchased a lot and erected his present home. Later he built another house thereon and this he rents.

On the membership roll of Minerva Lodge. No. 19. I. O. O. F., the name of Carl von Wintz- ingerode is found, and he is also connected with Encampment No. 2 of the same order. He has passed all of the chairs of the subordinate lodge and he served for several years as deputy grand inaster. He is a member of the German Veteran Society, in which he holds the position of com- mander, and he belongs to the Pioneers' Associa- tion of Oregon and has for many years been a member of the German Aid Society. He is kindly disposed towards his suffering fellow-citizens, always ready to help in his own way the deserv- ing poor, and has been deeply interested in all movements and measures pertaining to the prog- ress and improvement of his adopted city. state and country. He is a high type of our German- American citizen-an element which has been of great value in the colonization and improvement of the country.

HON. GEORGE M. ORTON. Not only as a native-born son of the Pacific coast, but also as a successful and enterprising business man of Portland, Mr. Orton is intimately associated with the west and its commercial progress. He is a member of a family that became identified with

American history before the patriots took up arms for liberty and independence. The founder of the family crossed the ocean about 1762 and settled in Farmington, Conn. Connected with the family by close ties of relationship was Gen. Nathaniel Greene. During the Revolution three brothers of the Orton family fought in the battle of Bennington, Vt., in which two were killed, and succeeding generations have followed the example of these patriots in offering their serv- ices to the country when in need.

As early as 1820 Nathaniel Greene Orton re- moved from Vermont to Minnesota, where his son, Nathan Sanford, was born July 3, 1834. Father and son crossed the plains together and settled on a farm in Cowlitz county, Wash., where the former died. The son, Nathan S., had gone from Minnesota to Toledo. Ohio, where he learned the painter's trade. About 1859 he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast, stopping en route at Fort Laramie, where he kept a stage station and had William Cody among his boarders. About 1863 he proceeded to California and the next year came to Oregon, stopping temporarily in Portland, but soon re- moving to Cowlitz county, Wash. In the spring of 1865 he went to Wallula, Wash., and thence to The Dalles, where he engaged in contract painting as a partner of O. S. Savage. About 1873 he returned to Cowlitz county, Wash., and settled on his father's farm. The pioneer shingle manufacturer in Cowlitz county, in an early pe- riod of his residence there he established the first business of the kind in the county, and this he operated until 1879, the year of his removal to Portland. In this city he was interested in the grocery business for two years, and then en- gaged in contract painting. but in 1888 returned to his farm in Cowlitz county, where his death occurred March 3, 1903. in the seventieth year of his age. By his marriage to Frances R. Snook, a native of Wisconsin, he had ten chil- (Iren, of whom four sons and three daughters are now living. George Mcclellan being the eldest son.

At Susanville, Cal., George McClellan Orton was born June 1. 1864. Accompanying his father in his various removals, he received the advantages offered by the schools of the towns where the family lived. In October of 1881 he began to learn the printing business with G. W. McCoy. Four years later he entered the employ of George H. Himes, with whom he remained until 1887. His next employment was with the West Shore, where he had charge of the press department about two years. Going to Inde- pendence. Ore., in 1889, he purchased an interest in the Independence West Side. with Kirk H. J. Clark. On his return to Portland he engaged in business with the Portland Printing Company.

Gustaf Hierro

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When this company dissolved in 1894 he re- turned to the Multnomah Printing Company, in which he bought an interest. The company was incorporated in April of 1895. Since 1896 Mr. Orton has been its manager, secretary and treas- urer. Under his supervision the plant has been enlarged, modern improvements have been in- troduced, and all the facilities necessary to a first-class job printing establishment. The com- pany occupies two floors at No. 107 Front street. On the first floor is the press-room, while the second story is used for a composing room.

The marriage of Mr. Orton occurred in Port- land in 1888 and united him with Katie Breit- barth, who was born in Jacksonville, Ore., and is a graduate of the Portland high school. Born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Orton are three daughters : Mabel, Beatrice and Genevieve. Mrs. Orton is a daughter of Henry Breitbarth, who came to Oregon in 1852 and engaged in the flour milling and mercantile business at Yreka and Jacksonville. At this writing he makes his home with his daughter in Portland.

At all times Mr. Orton has been interested in public affairs and has championed Republican principles. In 1900 he was nominated on the citizens' ticket to represent Multnomah county in the state legislature, and served during the session of 1901, where he assisted in electing John H. Mitchell to the United States senate. Among the committees on which he served were those on labor and industries, and printing, also a special committee to investigate the state treas- urer's office. In 1902, though not a candidate for office, he was nominated by acclamation in the Republican convention, and was elected by a majority of about sixteen hundred Among the bills which he has fostered during his legislative service are those to prevent coercion and intimi- dation of voters, also to provide for a special tax in the city of Portland for the Lewis and Clark Exposition.

GUSTAF WILSON. The year 1852 wit- nessed the arrival of Gustaf Wilson in Oregon. In the long and crowded line of illustrious men of whom the state is justly proud the public life of few others have extended over as long a period as his, and certainly the life of none has been more varied in service, more constant in honor and more fearless in conduct and more stainless in reputation. He has again and again been called to public office, and has ever been most loyal to his duties, a faithful representative of the com- munity that he has served.

Mr. Wilson was born in the northern part of Finland in the town of Uleaborg, June 2, 1827, and was a son of John Wilson, the latter a sailor, who followed the sea throughout his entire life.

The son pursued his education in the common schools of Finland, and at the age of fifteen years went to sea on a sailing vessel as cabin boy, being employed on a Finnish ship. After two years, however, he ran away to London, where he shipped as seaman on an American vessel. In 1844 he landed in New York, desirous of seeing this country which he had heard was "half way to Heaven." After spending a brief period in the eastern metropolis he shipped as a seaman and made several voyages. He went around Cape Horn to San Francisco on the ship Albania and on reaching California became connected with min- ing interests, following that business for two years, meeting with fair success. Going to south- ern Oregon he spent some time in Jackson and Josephine counties, where he engaged in pros- pecting and mining. His fitness for leadership soon made him prominent in public affairs and he was called to serve as county coroner of Josephine county, being appointed by the legislature to that office for the year 1855-56. He was twice re- elected and served altogether for six years. Whatever advanced the welfare of the state elic- ited his earnest attention and oftentimes received his support and co-operation. In the year 1853 he enlisted in the army as a volunteer and was after- ward taken into the regular service. In recog- nition of the military aid which he rendered the government he was given a soldier's land war- rant. While in the army he was a member of the company commanded by Capt. J. K. Lambrick, and he also served in the commissary department during the Indian troubles of 1855-56. Later he had charge of the government cattle in the Rogue river valley. Whatever was the work intrusted to him he was found faithful and loyal, and in the vear 1862 he was elected to the position of county clerk of Josephine county, and acted in that ca- pacity for four years. He also served on the school board of that county and ably assisted in matters of public progress and improvement, so directing his efforts that his work was of marked benefit to the community. In an early day he gave his political allegiance to the Democracy.

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Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 39

Author: Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 946

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 946